As expressed previously, Portishead is one of my top bands. Certainly, of that whole electronica craze of the Nineties, they stood out from everybody else. Next week, they will be releasing their first studio album in 11 years. I have been listening to that album, titled Third, for the last few weeks and I am pleased to report that it’s not only up to their previous work, but it also represents a new shift in sound.
Portishead’s early works, Dummy (1994) and Portishead (1997), and those of fellow Bristol natives Massive Attack, kicked off a new sound dubbed trip hop, which combined elements of jazz, soul and hip-hop. However, Portishead also had elements from the lounge movement that was active at the time. As evidence, I point to the Lalo Schifrin, John Barry and Henry Mancini samples, as well as the use of theremin.
Much of the trip hop and electronica that came out in their wake was much more laid back. Portishead’s songs were very dark in tone. Their second album Portishead was particularly harsh and gritty, both in terms of audio and Beth Gibbons’ anguished vocals.
Third carries a heavy prog rock influence, to my ears. There are a couple tracks that sound like vintage Portishead songs, but many times, the hip-hop beats are missing. A song like “Small” particularly captures this influence. There’s also the chanteusey “Hunter,” which echoes the lounge influence, although with rock elements. “Deep Water” features a nasal croon from Gibbons and ukulele backing; it’s short, sweet and very much unlike what you think of with Portishead. I’ve also included “Nylon Smile,” which is similar to what you would think of, but with a little different instrumentation.
See video of Portishead performing “Nylon Smile” in Amsterdam; the album’s lead-off track “Silence” live on Current TV; from December, performing “We Carry On” at All Tomorrow’s Parties; and doing “The Rip” live on Later…with Jools Holland.
Portishead – Nylon Smile — BUY
Portishead – Small — BUY
Tags: Portishead, Third
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New Portishead « approximately. Says:
[...] Some downloads here. (My favorite thus far is “Small,” give it a listen!) [...]